St’át’imc United Press St’át’imc Territory on Mining Radar There are a number of small mining exploration companies with an interest in drilling on St’át’imc Territory. “It’s very well known that there is gold in St’át’imc Territory,” said Jim MacArthur, Senior Governance Advisor for the SCC. However, the St’át’imc Chiefs Council (SCC) takes many precautionary measures before approving any project. The process of mining and gaining a permit has a few steps. First, the applicant must apply for mineral rights to the province of BC. If this application is successful, it means the applicant would own the rights to the mineral, but not the right to mine/ process this mineral. Once the Province sells the “mineral rights”, the applicant is allowed to prospect for minerals (to determine what types of minerals might be present and in what quantity). Second, if the prospector
likes the initial quantity of minerals they’ve explored, they apply for a mineral exploration license. This would allow them to drill, follow the veins, and find out if there is enough mineral in the area to fully develop a mine. Once they believe they have a commercially viable mineral claim, they would apply to the Province of BC for a Mines Act permit to open a mine.
The SCC looked at this issue and thought they were better off working with the new ownership to help clean up the toxic levels, rather than leaving it. Over the last year, the SCC has been working with the mine to make incremental improvements and are in the early stages of benefit-sharing negotiations.
In other mining news, Sona Resources In December 2010, new purchased the Elizabeth ownership of the Bralorne Gold Mine and is hoping to Mine approached the SCC re-open it. Their proposal looking for support in mine is to begin mining and water discharge operations and trucking permits. The main concern the ore 70km North to the for the SCC is the high Blackdome Mine and levels of toxic arsenic that processing it there. In exist in the water. In 1970, order for this transport to Bralorne Mine closed and happen, Sona is hoping the underground mine for permission to connect shafts filled up with water. two forestry roads. If these This water leached arsenic roads become connected, out of the rock and then it would threaten wildlife flowed into Cadwallader and impact the Creek, and has been an environment negatively, as ongoing problem since. it’s in the middle of a main When the new ownership migration route. It would bought the mine, they also cause unnecessary inherited this toxic issue. traffic from campers, hunters, poachers, etc.
Aerial view of the Elizabeth Mine site. Sona said they have plans to put gates on both ends, and would close the roads during the migration season. The Ministry of Environment has written their recommendations, which urge caution against such road construction. The SCC has also passed a resolution opposing the road. Sona has been slow in addressing or acknowledging St’át’imc concerns, and the SCC remain opposed to the new road. This loop road would have very negative impacts on the migration routes and ecosystem in general. If this mine were to go forth, some issues that may
arise are stockpiling and accumulation of the ore, causing the toxins to leech and drain into Blue Creek (similar to Bralorne Mine). Sona has secured 29,000 hectares of land around the Elizabeth mine site and could potentially open up more than one mine. There is approximately $25 million per year of potential profit for the Elizabeth Mine, so it’s not something Sona is going to give up on easily, However, the SCC needs to fully understand the potential scope of development and potential effects before approving this to move forward.
Direct Award Contracts
Prior to the signing of the St’át’imc Hydro Agreements, contract opportunities with vegetation management were available through our working relationship with BC Hydro. Things have changed making it a bit more perplexed, and since then we have been awarded 5 veg management contracts. These direct award contracts (DAC) are given based on capacity and experience. If our members lack training and/ or certification, many of the DACs will be contracted to outside agencies. As the Natural Resources Coordinator with the LTC, Matt Manuel faces obstacles in dealing with such contracts. With this new shift in the field, various communities feel a need to move forward in handling contract opportunities that lie within their area of interest. “If the community has the capacity, then we respect that and back off,” said Manuel. We are dealing with a capacity gap; in a perfect world we would like to see a St’át’imc company dealing with pruning/ slashing contracts that are currently being awarded around Lillooet this fall/ winter. In dealing with veg management around Distribution lines, it is essential to have a Certified Utility Arborist (CUA) to meet the contract obligations. Currently we have no St’át’imc CUAs to meet BC Hydro’s comfort and are unable to gain the full benefits of these contracts, thus relying on other contractors with capacity to fulfill the duties with stipulations to hire St’át’imc members. This is a factor that is out of our control, says Manuel, but he’s hoping to work with other agencies to arrange future training opportunities for St’át’imc to become CUAs.
A New Beginning for Tsal’alh “Chief and Council worked at it for a really long time, and they were good,” said Sampson. He is happy the information meetings took place and that he is going to live to see the end of all this. Sampson would like to see some of the settlement funds used for green energy in his community, and even for his own home. Much like the other CP holders, Tom Bull feels grateful this is coming to an end. “Once it’s over, I will feel good for everybody,” said Bull. Clara Shields believes this agreement will help them evolve and start healing. “It’s a good start to our healing process,” said Shields. “With this money, it will go toward education first; my share will go to education first. Education was my life,” said Shields.
Clara Shields by her garden.
It’s been a long, hard journey for St’át’imc members, a journey which is finally on a path to healing. For Certificate of Possession (CP) holders in Tsal’alh, the signing of the St’át’imc Hydro Agreements in April has created a “new beginning” for the members. Victor Adrian is just happy that after 56 years BC Hydro finally came through. “At least we accomplished something,” said Adrian. “This showed that we owned the place, for one thing, that they damaged our land and have now owned up to it, so that’s fine. They wouldn’t own up to anything for years and years.”
Adrian moved back to Tsal’alh in 2003 after living in Seattle for 25 years. Why did he come back after all that time: “Because it’s home,” said Adrian. With these funds, Adrian is hoping to renovate the house he built 48 years ago on his 15 acre lot down by the lake. He is happy that this hydro settlement is done. “It’s good to see something done in my lifetime. Everyone wanted to push for more, but it was time for this to come.” Ernie Sampson feels the same way. It was a long process and he is relieved this agreement is over.
Message from the SCC Chair, Mike Leach I would like to, again, thank the people and your leadership for ensuring all legal documents required for moving ahead have been signed by each of the communities. We needed all the documents signed before we could move ahead with The Trust and The Legal Society. The final legal documents arrived in our office this month which allows The SCC to formerly establish The Trust Account, The Trust Board, The Administrator of the Trust, and The St’át’imc Government Services Board, which are the legal entities under the SCC. This being done allows the remaining funds to be transferred from Hydro to the Trust for eventual disbursements to the SCC/ SGSB and the communities. I know the people wanted to hear from the SCC regarding these matters but we were unable to commit to making an announcement until all the legal issues were ratified by the respective communities. On behalf of the SCC Chiefs we thank you for your cooperation. The 3 entities the SCC are setting up are: •
The formal structure of the St’át’imc Chiefs Council (SCC) and the Office of the St’át’imc Chiefs Council. This is the political arm of the St’át’imc.
•
The formal structure of the St’át’imc Government Service Board (SGSB) and the St’át’imc Government Services Executive (SGSE). This is the service arm of the St’át’imc.
•
The formal structure of the St’át’imc Holding Company which needs to be officially incorporated. This is the economic arm of the St’át’imc.
There are still a number of things that need to be done to ensure that the 3 arms of your government are fully functional, transparent and accountable to the communities. The most important document that needs to be completed is the development of a
Shields was a teacher at the school in Tsal’alh until she retired, but still goes back and helps out. Educational opportunities were vast back in the day. She was lucky enough to get one, and feels kids now need to take advantage of the opportunities they have to get a good education. “This is a new start for me,” said Shields. She’s happy this agreement is done, but feels life could have been easier for them. “What we did, and everything we had, we worked for. But there is hope for our family.” What’s in the future for Clara: “Watch my grandchildren grow.”
St’át’imc Constitution. The Constitution formalizes the relation between the Creator, the people, the land, our rights and all 3 arms of your government. To add to this we are presently developing 3 manuals for each of the 3 arms of government. These manuals will lay out the mandates for each of the 3 active government activities. This will include an SCC Manual which will include the Constitution, laws, codes, jurisdiction, etc. The SGSB manual will include personal and financial policies, legal society, service policies, etc. The SHC manual will include its incorporation, partnerships, investments, etc. As you can see, there is a lot of work to cover but important work to ensure our people will benefit from our government. Other issues we are pursuing are in the areas of forestry, roads, mining, etc. It is the position of the SCC that any governments and businesses wishing to access the St’át’imc Territory for any reason needs the consent of St’át’imc. In this regard, we are dealing with Bralorne Mines, Elizabeth Mine, provincial forestry, fisheries, road issues etc. In addition, we are providing political support for such issues as the Prosperity Mine, Fish Virus, and other political issues as they arise. Issues closer to home that we’re supporting are the International Indigenous Leadership Gathering, Sutikalt, the New Years POW WOW, the St’át’imc Gathering, etc. To ensure the SCC are active politically regarding possible impacts to our lands, we are in the process of re-establishing a Government to Government process with the province. You will notice that we have a new brand (emblem) for the St’át’imc, SCC, SGS and SHC. This will go on our letterheads, business cards, etc. The St’át’imc Flag will remain the same. As you can see everything is moving ahead. Hopefully by March 2012 we will be fully operational. Take Care. All My Relations. In Unity, Kukwpi7 Mike Leach SCC Chair
Community Trustee Profiles
Vanessa Mountain is the Trustee for the N’Quatqua community. She is from N’Quatqua but grew up in North Vancouver. She has a background in finance, economic development and community development. She started her career with Royal Trust and worked there for 15 years with a few years in the Personal Trust department. She has completed her education towards a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Business Management, and has most of her courses towards a Certified General Accountant designation. She was the Band Manager for Kwicksutanieuk/ Ah-Kwa-Mish First Nation for two years on northern Vancouver Island. She was approached by the Chief and community members to be a Trustee for N'Quatqua. Even though she does not live in the community, she believes serving as a Trustee is a good way to use her experience to help the community. She hopes to take back what is learned at the meetings and enable other members to become Trustees in the future. Linda O'Donaghey is the Trustee for the Tsal'alh community. She has training in Bookkeeping, Accounting, Drafting, Office Management, Contracting, etc. She has an extensive financial, administrative and contracts background through her employment both at the Bank of Commerce and BC Hydro. She is now retired after 32 years of service at BC Hydro in Tsal’alh. She was approached by the Chief of her community to be the Trustee; although there wasn't a formal interview process she is known by all members of the Council. She is married with 1 daughter and 2 grandchildren.
Steven Doss is the Trustee from the Xaxli’p community. He left the Xaxli’p Community when he was around 17 years old. After graduating from Lillooet High School, he moved to Vancouver and worked with Indian and Northern Affairs then with Environment Canada (EC) while attending night school at Langara College. Most of his training and experience was working as a Contracting Officer then in Material Management with EC negotiating professional services contracts, goods acquisitions and providing Assets Management services. Following retirement in 2007, he moved back to Xaxli’p from Vancouver and built his own house. Chief and Council informed him he was the successful Trustee after applying for the position. Florence Jack is the Trustee from the Xwisten community. She was born and raised in Xwisten and graduated from Lillooet Secondary School. She has an Accounting Technician Diploma and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops. After graduation, she worked one year for a forestry company on Vancouver Island before moving back home. She is currently the Finance Manager for her community and is a Certified General Accountant. She is the interim Trustee for her community for one year. Due to her financial background the Chief and Council thought she would be beneficial to the creation of the Trust. Ernest Armann is from N'Quatqua and is a representative for the Skatin community. He was the band manager for N'Quatqua for 15 years. He has a diploma in Public Administration from the
University of Victoria. He has some business training and has worked in program services, community development and planning. He was one of the representatives for the Hydro negotiation process. Skatin Chief and Council asked him to be a Trustee, but because of his other commitments he is an interim Trustee for at least 1 year. He is married and has 3 children. Harold Peters is the Trustee from the Samahqwam community. He worked for the District of Mission for 33 years and retired in 2004. He served as his community’s representative for the St’át’imc Land and Resource Authority for two years and was the shop steward and trustee for CUPE Local 1267. He was the only member nominated for the position. He wants to see the trust start up well. Cecille Comeau is the Trustee from the Douglas First Nation (Xaxtsa7) community. She was appointed as a Trustee during an annual general meeting. She wants to see her members involved in the trust. She was the office manager at In-SHUCK-ch for 7 years. Her education background is in Accounting Payroll Supervisor, Network and Internet Security Specialist Program, and presently working on her Bachelor's Degree with Technology Management through the University of Victoria. She has sat on the boards of Mission Native Housing and Aboriginal Housing Management Association, and currently sits on the board of the Fraser Valley Aboriginal Children and Family Services Society. Trish Andrew is the Trustee from the Cayoose Creek (Sekw'el'was) community. She was asked to represent her community on the Trust by Chief & Council. Raquel Kane is the interim Trustee from the Ts'kw'aylaxw community until a permanent Trustee is appointed.
Relations & Implementation Managers projects and demand management initiatives.
BC Hydro Relations Manager, Akemi Siu Q: What's your past experience? A: Before joining the BC Hydro Team, I was the Executive Director of Aboriginal Partnerships for Syntaris Power Corp. a Vancouver-based Independent Power Producer. Prior to this, I was a Project Manager for Kerr Wood Leidal Consulting Engineers, managing the delivery of infrastructure
be at the forefront of the implementation because as BC Hydro works with each Q: Why did you apply for community and identifies this specific position? site-specific goals and A: In everyone’s career opportunities, we can there is a once in a lifetime identify a meaningful and moment when they can productive pathway forward choose to do something that to achieve these goals. really defines how that person spends their time on Q: What are you passionate this planet. For me it’s the about (could be anything, chance to make a difference doesn't have to be related to for a community. When I this job)? first heard about the A: My number one passion, Implementation role, it by a very large margin, is resonated very strongly for my family and friends. They me so I knew that it was the are the strength and opportunity that I had been foundation for all parts of working towards. who I am. My number two passion - I am an avid Q: Is there anything you're sports fan, “orange, white hoping to accomplish with and blue all over” and this job/ what's your vision? attend as many events as I A: My vision is for the can. I passionately believe Agreement to become its that sports are a own renewable resource for fundamental part of each the St’át’imc Nation and community and that soccer communities. It is exciting to in particular is one of the
world’s true unifiers as it has no race, religious or class boundaries. I also play midfield passionately, albeit not very skilfully.
side and second generation Chinese-Canadian on my father’s side. I am fortunate enough to have grandparents that are still living and relatives all over Q: What do you like most British Columbia and about your job? Alberta. I have found the A: I love getting out on the more I work with First road and visiting the Nations communities and communities and Band families, the more I learn Offices, and getting to know about my own family. The the local establishments and Asian culture and heritage is seeing the places that make very similar, certainly the each town or village unique. love for a big family meal! The best part is when I’ve found a common people I have met through childhood lesson is to my travels become familiar revere and respect ones faces and welcome me elders, and the wisdom they back. have to share. Q: Tell us a little about yourself. A: I was born and raised in Burnaby, BC, and still live there today. My ethnicity is somewhat unique, I am a fourth generation JapaneseCanadian on my mother’s
Q: If you could have dinner with any 3 people, who would you choose? A: Tom Thomson (not to be confused with Bruins goalie Tim Thomas), Ray Charles, and Bruce Lee.
SGH Relations Manager, Darryl Peters Q: What's your past experience? A: I worked for Douglas First Nations and TTQ Economic Development Corporation for 5 years in negotiations and business relations, and was a liaison since 1999. Before that, I was Chief of Douglas for 12 years starting in 1996, and was a councillor in 95-96 for 3 months.
SGH Implementation Manager, Ernest Armann Q: What's your past experience? A: My background is in public administration, which I studied at the University of Victoria. I worked as a band manager for 15 years in N’Quatqua. Most recently, I spent 5 years working as an advisor for the LSTC.
BC Hydro Implementation Manager, Sally Thorpe Q: What's your past experience? A: My background is in international social development and project management. I started my career working for the United Nations for a couple of different agencies where I worked on projects aimed at protecting women in armed conflicts, and, in a different job, on land-mine programs. Later, I moved to Australia with my Australian husband and worked for a non-profit organization that worked with refugees abroad. I was
Q: Why did you apply for this specific position? A: It was time for a change and since I was involved in the negotiations, I thought I could help out in a few areas for the nation, such as building a strong relationship between BC Hydro and St’át’imc. I have the ability to negotiate and to communication well, and I thought the abilities I have would work well in this position. Q: Is there anything you're hoping to accomplish with this job/ what's your vision? A: I would like to be more involved in relations for economic opportunities for my people. And not just with BC Hydro, but all other opportunities that could be forthcoming.
Q: Why did you apply for this specific position? A: For me, its about making a difference. This opportunity arose and it intrigued me from the 18 years of work we put in to the SNH agreements. I was involved for 12 years and I couldn’t pass up the chance to actually be a part of the implementation. With my skills, passion and experience, I needed to be a part of it. Q: Is there anything you're hoping to accomplish with this job/ what's your vision? A: I think the one thing that intrigues me is the opportunities that needed to be attained in the agreements. Growth and unity for the nation is part of
Project Manager for projects in South Asia and the Middle East, as well as for projects related to landmines. These were fantastic experiences where I had the opportunity to work with a range of indigenous peoples on fascinating projects. I even had a chance to deliver project management training to Australian aboriginal project managers working in Australia’s Northern Territory. That was a career highlight for me. The people and their work were awesome. I started working with BC Hydro’s Aboriginal Relations and Negotiations team in 2007 and I’ve been here since then. Q:Why did you apply for this specific position? A: The minute I saw this job advertised I knew I wanted it! I felt it would be rewarding to be focused on building long-term relationships with First
Q: What are you passionate about (could be anything, doesn't have to be related to this job)? A: My family is important. I want to make sure that our communities are evolving with culture and that we’re identifying with our history, and keeping connections with our land and resources. I also really enjoy hunting, golfing, and fishing. Q: What do you like most about your job? A: It is very exciting and lots to do. It’s a challenge in a new location, and I get to work with great people. Q: What is your role as Relations Manager? A: I am the primary contact for the St’át’imc communities for the
the vision I see, and the work that we’re doing is going to help rebuild that. I welcome the challenge and the work is something that I am prepared for. To be continuing on with the agreement process and the work is a great opportunity that I’m privileged to have. Q: What are you passionate about (could be anything, doesn't have to be related to this job)? A: My passion is to make changes for all our people. To improve our situation and environment by building a better education and provide training. I’m looking forward to working with all the communities, so we can work together and provide sustenance. I like to see
Nations. I also love working on projects in communities and agreements are fabulous vehicles for getting things done together. I was thrilled to get the job and started in this position in 2008. I haven’t been disappointed! Q: Is there anything you're hoping to accomplish with this job/ what's your vision? A: My vision in my role is to help ensure the agreements have a positive impact in the communities and to participate in building a strong, long-term relationship between the St’át’imc and BCH. And of course there’s the important work of just getting the job done: after all the time negotiating, what I think we’re all looking forward to is moving forward and getting those benefits implemented! Q: What are you passionate about (could be anything,
purposes of the relations agreement. This means I inform communities of job opportunities and BC Hydro operations. I will also coordinate with the BC Hydro Relations Manager to ensure effective implementation of the agreements. Q: Tell us a little about yourself. A: My parents are Jeanette Phillips and Charlie Peters. My grandparents on my mom’s side are Nick and Ann Peters. My grandparents on my dad’s side are Alphons and Alice Peters. I’m from Douglas First Nation, and was born in Mission. I was sent to residential school and grew up in Mission. When St. Mary’s closed down in 1985,
positive change and to structurally build things. Q: What do you like most about your job? A: Right now we have no boundaries. Everything is new and we’re paving the way to make this work.
I continued to live in Mission. In June 1996 when I was elected Chief, I started thinking about my community, and what there was or lack thereof. I spoke to my older brother who lived there, and I asked him about things the community needed, and he showed me. I thought to myself, “The only way to make a change would be to move back to the community and be connected to what has to be done.” Q: If you could have dinner with any 3 people, who would you choose? A: Angelina Jolie. Stevie Ray Vaughn. All past family and friends.
A: I’m from N’Quatqua, a 6th generation descendant. All my children were born and raised there. I grew up off-reserve in the 100 Mile House area, and moved back to N’Quatqua 27 years ago. I have been married for 21 years, and we have 3 children. I like golf, working, traveling, and focusing on personal growth. I really enjoy family time and watching our family grow. I also love the work that I’m doing around the health council.
Q: What is your role as Implementation Manager? A: My job is to manage the implementation of the St’át’imc Agreements by establishing processes to achieve the opportunities contained in the agreement. Among other things, I will be Q: If you could have dinner implementing work plans for with any 3 people, who the five pillars. would you choose? A: Chris Rock, because he Q: Tell us a little about has a lot of messages and yourself. is more than just a funny guy. Al Pacino. Tina Turner.
doesn't have to be related to this job)? A: I’m passionate about my family and my kids. When I came up to Lillooet last week, I thought about how much my three boys would love the beautiful, natural environment in the area. One day I hope to bring them with me. I also come from a big extended family who are a very important part of my life. Like my colleague, Akemi, I love to play soccer. We’re up for a game anytime and hope we’ll get an opportunity to play sometime with soccer fans in your communities. Q: What do you like most about your job? A: Definitely the people. Q: Tell me a little about yourself: where are you from, where did you grow up, what are your interests? A: I grew up in Ottawa. I started travelling when I was a teenager and ended up,
mostly by accident, spending nine years abroad. I was really lucky because my jobs let me travel the world to very remote places, in Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East. For me it has been a dream come true to have a career focused on working with all different types of communities. But the greatest gift was to have the opportunity to come back to Canada and work here. There’s no place like home! Q: If you could have dinner with any 3 people, who would you choose? A: My two best friends, my grandfather, my childhood dog (pets don’t count, right?). After being on the road for a week, the answer changes automatically to having dinner with my three boys!